HodgePodge Wednesday - 03/19/2025

 I've never participated in Joyce's link-up (I read all the time) - since my computer is still out from having actually finished a blog post this weekend, I copied and pasted :)

1. I write the Hodgepodge questions so they'll post on Sunday, which sometimes throws me off in terms of what day it is. St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated on Monday, March 17th. Did you mark the day in some way? Wear green? Make a special meal? Watch or participate in a parade? 

It's Monday as I write this - the best I can do is write in green.  I forgot to wear green to work and no one commented on it - ha!  I would never, EVER have forgotten when I was in the classroom though ;). Growing up my grandparents lived in Delray Beach over the winter and celebrated this day BIG in that community.  One year, when I was 18 or 19 I was down there with my mom and had my most memorable St. Patrick's Day ever.  I only think of St. Patrick's Day as being celebrated on the southeast coast of FL.

2. Do you think luck plays a part in your life? Explain. 

Nope.  Never.  I think you need to keep your eyes opened, stay prepared, and look for the Holy Spirit's promptings in your life.  He will always come through, just not always the way you think He should or will.  I think I use the word "lucky" more often than I should - really, it is just a blessing that I get to know Jesus, that I was born into the family I was, that I have had the opportunities I have had, and, yes, sometimes we are just in the "right place at the right time" - by divine intervention, His plan.  What a detailed, perfect God we serve - WE are the imperfect ones.

3. Of the 15 green foods listed, which one is your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Any on the list that are a hard no for you? In general do you like fruits and veggies? As a kid did you eat them willingly or did you hide peas in your napkin hoping your momma wouldn't see? 

Asparagus, avocado, broccoli, celery, cucumber, grape, green bean, kale, kiwi, lettuce, lime, 

pear, peas, pistachios, spinach

Asparagus is a special favorite - at one time we had it in our yard garden and what a treat it was!!  I would say pistachios are the only "hard no" on this list. . .I think our family favorite is (and always has been) broccoli.  The kids called them "trees" when they were little and people would look at us sideways when Laura would announce that "trees are my favorite food".  We get fresh broccoli and roast it probably 2-3 times a week.  SO GOOD.  As I kid we only ate green beans, carrots, and corn that I can remember.  I do remember not liking peas.  My mom hated (and still does) broccoli.  She and HW ;). Yes, I like fruits and veggies and do not eat enough (my fault, not because I do not have access).

4. What's something that makes you 'turn green'? (with envy or with illness... whichever way you want to run with it)

Since comparison is the thief of joy, I try to always feel extremely fortunate and grateful for what I DO have.  I hate being green with a stomach bug more than anything else in the world.  I'm fortunate to rarely feel that way luckily (ha - see, I did it!)

5. Did you spend a lot of time outdoors as a child? Doing what? Do you spend a lot of time outdoors now? Doing what? 

I love, love, love being outdoors more than anything else.  The hotter the better.  Sunshine fills my soul.  Want a table indoors or out?  Easy (as long as the temperature is above 70 degrees).  Should we play {tennis, pickleball, walk the track} inside or out?  Always out as long as it's above 50 degrees and not terribly windy for the racquet sports.  Sit by the fire or on a beach to enjoy a book - another easy one.  Since I HATE to be cold I don't spend as much time as I would like outside, but will mostly always choose it over staying indoors.  I did spend a lot of time outdoors as a child - summer days at the pool, on the tennis courts, playing on playgrounds, running through the hose in our yard, sitting on my great-grandparent's porch, riding bikes. . .all.the.things that a 70's-80's kid loved.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This was fun!  Why have I never done it before?  Oh, I know, priorities :). Thank you, Joyce, for the questions!